Youngsters living in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster touch down on Teesside tomorrow for a life-changing holiday.

The 16 children from Belarus, ten of whom are currently in remission from various forms of cancer, will be enjoying clean air, food and water for almost the first time in their lives.

The Middlesbrough Teesside Link of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline has organised the trip.

Link founder Margaret Cundall, who brought the first group of youngsters to Teesside in July 2003, said: "Four of the children have been with us before and are really looking forward to it."

In April 1986, the Chernobyl power station suffered the world's worst nuclear accident, killing many who lived near it and damaging food and crops.

Tens of thousands of children in Belarus, which received 70pc of the radioactive fallout, are still being born with cancer and leukaemia.

The month long trip can extend a child's life up to two years by helping boost their immune systems.

Days out already arranged include a festive lunch, swimming, a buffet with the Mayor of Stockton, a trip to York, a day at Middlesbrough Fire Station and attending three different local schools.

Mrs Cundall added: "Most of the host families who took children the first time are still involved with the link and host or help out as much as possible. But we also have new volunteers coming on board all the time."

* For more information on Chernobyl Children's Life Line Middlesbrough Teesside Link, call John and Margaret Cundall on 01642 274944.